KARACHI
The Sindh government has sacked relief and revenue minister Makhdoom Jamiluz Zaman, livestock minister Jam Khan Shoro and relief commissioner Lala Fazlur Rehman over Thar relief issue.
According to sources, Zaman, Shoro and Rehman have been removed from their posts for not coping with the relief issue efficiently in famine-hit Tharparkar.
Earlier, former president Asif Zardari also telephoned Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and expressed anger over Tharparkar issue.
The Sindh government made the administrative changes on Tuesday night in the wake of reports of death of over 100 children in drought-hit Thar and criticism of the government’s perceived failure to take timely action to contain the crisis.
“I can confirm that senior member board of revenue Lala Fazl Rehman has been removed from his post,” Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said.
The minister also said that Zaman had been relieved of the charge of relief, although he would continue to work as the revenue minister. Memon said that PPP leader Taj Haider had been given the charge of relief commissioner.
According to reports, Tharparkar is virtually ruled by the Makhdoom family and four sons of Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the senior PPP leader, are directly involved and responsible.
In the Sindh government, they hold key positions.
Zaman is the provincial minister for relief and revenue. Makhdoom Aqil Zaman held the post of Tharparkar deputy commissioner until two days ago. Before him, six months ago, it was Makhdoom Shakil, another son, who held the position of district management for three consecutive years. Fahim’s another son, Makhdoom Khalil Zaman, is a member of the Sindh Assembly (MPA) from the same district.
The Makhdoom family holds widespread spiritual following in most parts of Tharparkar, but they have been found negligent and the latest crisis has proved this. Aqil was transferred only after the tragic death of children came to the light.
